Scientists are monitoring the progress of the new vaccine trials closely.
Pro (向前) + gress (走) = 向前走，即进步。
The company took immediate steps to address the security breach.
Step：像楼梯的一级，每走一步（step）就接近目标（solution）一次。
The city council voted to ban single-use plastics in all municipal buildings.
Ban：发音像“办”（ban）事不行，所以是“禁令”。或者联想“班”（ban）长没收了手机，就是“禁止”。
Stock prices rallied on Monday as investors reacted positively to the new economic data.
Rally：拉起来！股票跌下去又被人拉起来，或者大家把力量拉在一起开会。
Inflation rates soared to a 40-year high, prompting central bank intervention.
Soar：听起来像‘索’（high），像老鹰一样‘索’向高空，价格飞涨。
The global financial system nearly collapsed after the banking sector crash in 2008.
Crash：声音拟态，‘咔嚓’一声碎掉。股市‘咔嚓’跌碎，飞机‘咔嚓’撞毁。
The sudden rise in oil prices triggered a wave of inflation across the eurozone.
Trigger：扳机。扣动扳机（小动作）导致子弹飞出（大事件）。指‘引发’连锁反应。
The new infrastructure plan aims to boost local employment by 15%.
Boost：像火箭发射一样，向上冲！
The board voted to slash the annual budget by 20% to reduce debt.
Slash：挥剑砍下去，动作迅猛，数值骤降。
The launch of the new smartphone was delayed due to supply chain issues.
De-lay：把东西往后放（lay down later），所以是推迟。
The government decided to impose new tariffs on imported steel.
Im-pose：In（进入）+ Pose（姿态/规定）= 把规定强加进去。
The administration is seeking diplomatic solutions to the escalating trade dispute.
Seek 听起来像 'Si' (四) + 'k' (卡) -> 四个人卡在一起努力寻求出口。